Temple administration disputes to be resolved by civil court; interim festival conduct per peace agreement with cooperation.

ORDER

This petition has been filed seeing for a direction to the respondents to give adequate police protection to the temple festival scheduled to be held from 23.04.2026 to 25.04.2026 (Chithirai Month 10th to 12th day) at Kattayanoor Sri.Muniyaraja Temple, Kattayanoor, Edayanvilai, Thoothukudi District based on the petitioner's representation dated 16.04.2026.

2. The learned Government Advocate, Mr. Muthumanikkam, appearing for respondents 1, 3, and 4, submitted that, with regard to the aforesaid issue, a peace committee meeting has already been conducted by the fourth respondent between the petitioner faction and the 6th respondent faction, and the dispute has been resolved. Pursuant to the same, the fourth respondent issued proceedings in Na.Ka.No.Aa2/111/2026, dated 20.04.2026, wherein it has been agreed by both parties that the petitioner faction would administer and conduct the temple festival on 24.04.2026, and the 6th respondent faction would cooperate with the same. In the event of any dispute arising in the conduct of the temple festival between the parties, they are at liberty to approach the appropriate civil court for necessary action.

3. The learned counsel appearing for the sixth respondent submitted that, challenging the order passed by the fourth respondent in Na.Ka.No.Aa2/111/2026, dated 20.04.2026, the sixth respondent has filed a writ petition in WP(MD) No. SR22950 of 2026, and the same is yet to be numbered. He further submitted that the fourth respondent cannot, in any manner, decide in favour of the petitioner by declaring that he has the right to conduct the temple festival on 24.04.2026 and thereafter direct the parties to approach the civil court in case of any dispute between them. He contended that, since no concrete solution was arrived at in the peace committee meeting conducted between the petitioner faction and the sixth respondent faction, the order passed by the fourth respondent is liable to be set aside, and consequently, the sixth respondent may be permitted to conduct the temple festival.

4. In reply, the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that it is the petitioner group that has been continuously administering the temple and conducting the temple festival from time to time. He further submitted that, even this year, all necessary arrangements have already been made, and the petitioner is prepared to incur expenses and conduct the temple festival. The sixth respondent faction is at liberty to participate in the festival and worship the deity.

5. Heard the learned counsel on either side and carefully perused the materials placed before this Court.

6. As far as the question of the right of administration of the temple is concerned, as directed by the fourth respondent, the parties are at liberty to approach the competent civil court. As regards the conduct of the temple festival for this year, which is scheduled to be held on 24.04.2026, the sixth respondent faction may participate in the temple festival and cooperate with the petitioner in conducting the same.

7. With the above direction, this writ petition stands disposed of.